Off The Record
You’ve Seen It Before — But This Is Why The Flag Looks ‘Wrong’ On Soldiers’ Sleeves
If you’ve ever wondered why the American flag is occasionally shown backward on a uniform, there’s a very unique explanation.
The US flag has long been used to display the country and its states, but unless you looked closely, you might not have noticed this small element.
From the military to the police, you may occasionally notice that the flag isn’t correctly displayed, with the stars on the left.
However, there’s a rationale behind this.
People were ready to explain the question when it was posed by a perplexed Redditor.
The person wrote, “Anyone know why the American flags are backwards on their uniforms? It’s always bothered me and I truly don’t know why lol.”
It may appear at first that the manufacturing facility has made a grave error, but you would be mistaken.
Commenters and the National Air and Space Museum claim that the US Flag Code is the main focus. In case you are unaware, this is a list of guidelines regarding the American flag, including what it can be used for and how to utilize it.
The code pertains to the uniform insignia of service members, aircraft, and spacecraft.
According to United States Army regulations, “The full-color US flag cloth replica is worn so that the star field faces forward, or to the flag’s own right.”
This implies that the flag must be positioned so that it appears to be flying ahead rather than trailing.
The flag appears to be floating in a breeze on a flagpole when it is worn on your left shoulder, but it appears to be floating backwards when it is worn on your right sleeve.
The stars are moved to the other side to correct that and provide a fresh viewpoint.
Eagle Mountain, an American flag and flagpole retailer, claims that because American paratroopers frequently landed behind enemy lines, they have historically distinguished themselves from enemy troops by donning the backward flag patches.
The reverse flag has historical roots that date back to the Civil War.
The American flag, which frequently symbolizes the valor and commitment of soldiers, would flap in the breeze as the troops marched forward during the conflict, carried by flag bearers.
To make every patch look like the flying flag from every angle on each arm, the military incorporated the reverse American flag military patch into uniforms in 2003.
A Redditor paraphrased this to the original poster, writing, “It’s because the flag is in a forward/advancing position and the stars that represent the states have the highest position of honor.”
“Imagine holding the flag on a pole and moving forward, the flag flows out behind you with the stars at the forefront and the stripes trailing after it. If it’s reversed the flag is considered to be in retreat.”
Another simplified it: “Easy explanation: the stars are never supposed to retreat.”
It’s a really good explanation.
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